Traveling the world by yourself can be the most exhilarating and profound experience of your life, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. The process can be daunting, but fortunately, there are ways to ease the pressure of traveling alone. Recently, experienced solo travelers met in an online discussion to reveal the best advice to thrive while on the next great adventure.
1. Don’t “Wing It”
Book things relatively in advance; plan your travel before the last minute, especially during specific times of the year! “Do not ‘wing it’ in Europe in summer,” advises one solo traveler. “Don’t underestimate how busy it gets. Hostels and hotels are often sold out, particularly in July and August. Planning a trip to Europe during the summer is one of those instances where you need to plan ahead.” Not only will you save yourself headaches, you’ll save money, too.
2. Make Sure You Have Some Alone Time
Interestingly enough, solo travel leads to a lot of socialization. From forming relationships and friendships with people you encounter, fellow travelers, and even men and women staying in the same hostel, traveling solo can be a very social experience! However, take into account the importance of alone time. Prioritizing moments for yourself (and no one else) is essential for proper balance. Always make time for yourself to process and experience your journey.
3. Travel Lightly
The number one regret solo travelers have is overpacking. Think about it: You’ll be on the move often, so why put needless wear and tear on your body by lugging around a bulky backpack and luggage? Your mental well-being (not to mention your shoulders) will thank you if you travel lightly. Only pack the necessities; you’ll be amazed at how efficiently you can live with the minimum amount of belongings!
4. Live Like a Local
Embrace the situation you find yourself in and say “yes” to new experiences! For many solo travelers, this usually means embracing living like a local. Whether joining a local gym for a few days or frequenting the nearest pub most nights, being part of the culture is one of the most satisfying parts of traveling. I love the feeling of being welcomed into an unfamiliar community.
5. Genuinely Lonely Moments Are Rare
If you find yourself stressing about potentially being lonely, you can stop worrying. According to many, these moments are exceedingly rare! “It can get lonely sometimes, sure, but I find myself chasing the moment alone rather than trying to avoid them,” confesses one woman. “I’ve met more people in four years of travel than during most of my life before. The true lonely moments are, for me, extremely rare.”
6. Obtain an International Driver’s License
Failing to apply for my international driver’s license was one of my only regrets during my European travels; doing so would have opened many doors to adventure! “Get your international driver’s license if you have the opportunity,” advises one solo traveler. “You’ll never know when an opportunity presents itself. You’ll want the flexibility to rent or become an additional driver.”
7. Have an Emergency Fund
You never know what issues will arise during an overseas trip, especially when embarking on solo adventures. Setting aside a modest emergency fund acts like insurance and gives you much-needed peace of mind. As a bonus, as your travels end, any unused emergency fund cash can be used on whatever wild excursion you want to do before the trip is complete!
8. Recognize Your Budget Is Fluid
If you want your explorations to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, set a budget beforehand, but acknowledge that it will be fluid. Use your budget as a jumping-off point, and don’t “live and die” by it. After all, you’ll never know what adventures and opportunities will present themselves!
9. Don’t Overload Yourself With Touristy Activities
Countless solo travelers express regret over filling their itineraries with touristy activities. Nothing can damper an exciting adventure quicker than realizing you’ll spend the next few days seeing historic monuments and landmarks but waiting in line for hours. Remember, traveling should be about experiencing as much as possible, not waiting in lines for most days!
10. Bring More Than One Bank Card With You
It’s always a good idea to be over-prepared. While many men and women recommend against bringing more than one credit or debit card with you, others believe the opposite. One man explains why. “It’s wise to bring a debit and credit card, or multiple of each,” explains one savvy traveler. “Hide them in different places for yourself. I lost my debit card (multiple times since I am an airhead) by forgetting to take them from the ATM, as some ATMs in the world dispense cash first, and then your card. Also, it is wise to find a card without international fees.”
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